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Itinerary for Mar 24 — Mar 28, 2014

Description: Experience the true character of San Francisco in a charming residential neighborhood, away from the bustling business district but still close to all the action. Nestled in the prestigious Pacific Heights neighborhood, with its distinctive Victorian architecture, Queen Anne Hotel is a landmark boutique hotel in the heart of San Francisco - one of the world's great cities known for its art, culture, museums and sightseeing. Walk to fabulous restaurants, live music venues, cinemas, the shops of Fillmore Street, and Japantown.
The hotel's convenient San Francisco location gives you easy access to the city's most enticing art performances in the world of Opera, Ballet and the Symphony as well as world class attractions, including Union Square, Fisherman's Wharf, Alcatraz Island, Ghirardelli Square, the Ferry Building and the North Beach district, all less than 2 miles away.

Room amenities: Each of the unique guest rooms is individually furnished with heirloom Victorian antiques and is flooded with light and air from floor-to-ceiling windows. The rooms feature luxurious bathrooms with toiletries, hair dryers, iron and ironing board, wireless internet access, large screen TV, and telephones with voicemail.

Facility amenities: With an alluring blend of Victorian elegance and contemporary amenities, the Queen Anne Hotel is a delightful bed and breakfast boutique hotel in downtown San Francisco. Stunning Victorian architecture, authentic turn-of-the century details, and a charming ambience make this hotel a unique place to relax, meet friends, and celebrate special moments. Formal drapes and rich gold and burgundy wallpaper frame the Salon's floor-to-ceiling windows with views of the vibrant cityscape. After a day of exploring, guests meet in the lavish parlor with its baby grand piano for an afternoon tea and sherry service from 4 - 6pm.
Guests will appreciate the attentive staff and personalized services, including a 24-hour concierge and Front Desk service, unlimited in/out parking, same-day valet laundry/dry cleaning, and room service from local eateries. (Guests may also ask the concierge for directions to the two nearby "wash and fold" laundries which charge by the pound for their service.) Other amenities include a discounted outbound shuttle van service to SFO, free newspapers in the Lobby, Limo & Town Car arrangements, microwave in the lobby, nearby self-parking, a safe-deposit box at the Front Desk, wake-up calls, and a computer in the Lobby. The hotel is entirely NON-SMOKING.
WI-FI INTERNET ACCESS: The hotel provides guests with complimentary wireless internet access throughout the hotel.

Smoking policy: NoSmoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Note: The program is rated as Moderately Challenging and will include a lot of walking each day -- 4-5 miles typically. But most of the walks are relatively level, on paved paths or park trails. There are several places where we will be climbing or descending either stairs or inclined paths of 200-300 ft of elevation gain or loss.

Afternoon: HOTEL CHECK-IN: Check into Queen Anne Hotel after 4:00PM.

PROGRAM REGISTRATION: After you have your room assignment, come over to the Road Scholar table to register with the program staff and pick up your arrival packet which we'll review during our orientation session.

Dinner: Dinner at hotel

FOR THIS PROGRAM--Menus are contracted for the program and are designed to offer balanced, healthy meals for the participants.

Since meals are served in a group setting, it is difficult to adjust to individual dietary requests. If you are unable to eat what is on the regular menu, a vegetarian alternative is available, if not already part of the menu. Since alternative meal arrangements have to be made in advance, please indicate your need for a vegetarian entree on the enclosed Participant Information Form. If you have other dietary concerns, you can order (at your own expense) from a different menu.

Evening: ORIENTATION: We'll have an overview of the program ahead and review the up-to-date schedule, responsibilities, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, any other administrative issues, and answer your questions. Please be aware that local circumstances may require adjusting program elements. In the event of changes, we will notify you as quickly as possible. We appreciate your understanding.

CROSSING POINTS: Participants introduce themselves to the rest of the group.

Enjoy the remainder of the evening getting to know your fellow participants and discovering what you share beyond a love of lifelong learning.

Description: Experience the true character of San Francisco in a charming residential neighborhood, away from the bustling business district but still close to all the action. Nestled in the prestigious Pacific Heights neighborhood, with its distinctive Victorian architecture, Queen Anne Hotel is a landmark boutique hotel in the heart of San Francisco - one of the world's great cities known for its art, culture, museums and sightseeing. Walk to fabulous restaurants, live music venues, cinemas, the shops of Fillmore Street, and Japantown.
The hotel's convenient San Francisco location gives you easy access to the city's most enticing art performances in the world of Opera, Ballet and the Symphony as well as world class attractions, including Union Square, Fisherman's Wharf, Alcatraz Island, Ghirardelli Square, the Ferry Building and the North Beach district, all less than 2 miles away.

Room amenities: Each of the unique guest rooms is individually furnished with heirloom Victorian antiques and is flooded with light and air from floor-to-ceiling windows. The rooms feature luxurious bathrooms with toiletries, hair dryers, iron and ironing board, wireless internet access, large screen TV, and telephones with voicemail.

Facility amenities: With an alluring blend of Victorian elegance and contemporary amenities, the Queen Anne Hotel is a delightful bed and breakfast boutique hotel in downtown San Francisco. Stunning Victorian architecture, authentic turn-of-the century details, and a charming ambience make this hotel a unique place to relax, meet friends, and celebrate special moments. Formal drapes and rich gold and burgundy wallpaper frame the Salon's floor-to-ceiling windows with views of the vibrant cityscape. After a day of exploring, guests meet in the lavish parlor with its baby grand piano for an afternoon tea and sherry service from 4 - 6pm.
Guests will appreciate the attentive staff and personalized services, including a 24-hour concierge and Front Desk service, unlimited in/out parking, same-day valet laundry/dry cleaning, and room service from local eateries. (Guests may also ask the concierge for directions to the two nearby "wash and fold" laundries which charge by the pound for their service.) Other amenities include a discounted outbound shuttle van service to SFO, free newspapers in the Lobby, Limo & Town Car arrangements, microwave in the lobby, nearby self-parking, a safe-deposit box at the Front Desk, wake-up calls, and a computer in the Lobby. The hotel is entirely NON-SMOKING.
WI-FI INTERNET ACCESS: The hotel provides guests with complimentary wireless internet access throughout the hotel.

Smoking policy: NoSmoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Note: Expect to walk at least 3 miles during the day. On climb to the top of Telegraph Hill to visit Coit Tower, there is a gain of about 300 feet, some steps and some inclined paved walkway.

Breakfast: Continental breakfast at the hotel

Morning: FIELD TRIP: Take public transportation to Union Square. Learn the history of Union Square on a guided walk of a mile and a half through the Square and then through Chinatown to Portsmouth Square, the birthplace of San Francisco. Sample a variety of different teas at one of the many tea shops of Chinatown.

Lunch: Dim Sum lunch at the Oriental Pearl

Afternoon: LECTURE: Explore local alleys and walk among temples, Chinese herbal medicine shops, and unusual food markets during a guided walk through the oldest and largest Chinatown in the United States. Learn about the history and personal stories that have made this amazing place what it is today.

Continue on foot from Chinatown through North Beach, home to early Italian fishermen as well as the so-called Beatniks of the 1950s. Learn how the neighborhood has evolved over the last century as you scope out a great restaurant for dinner tonight in this mecca of fine Italian cuisine. Then take a quick run up Telegraph Hill to Coit Tower from Washington Square to enjoy the approaching sunset before making your final selection of a restaurant for dinner. You will have earned your dinner after the three miles or so you will have covered this afternoon.

Dinner: Dinner on your own in one of the many Italian restaurants in North Beach

Description: Experience the true character of San Francisco in a charming residential neighborhood, away from the bustling business district but still close to all the action. Nestled in the prestigious Pacific Heights neighborhood, with its distinctive Victorian architecture, Queen Anne Hotel is a landmark boutique hotel in the heart of San Francisco - one of the world's great cities known for its art, culture, museums and sightseeing. Walk to fabulous restaurants, live music venues, cinemas, the shops of Fillmore Street, and Japantown.
The hotel's convenient San Francisco location gives you easy access to the city's most enticing art performances in the world of Opera, Ballet and the Symphony as well as world class attractions, including Union Square, Fisherman's Wharf, Alcatraz Island, Ghirardelli Square, the Ferry Building and the North Beach district, all less than 2 miles away.

Room amenities: Each of the unique guest rooms is individually furnished with heirloom Victorian antiques and is flooded with light and air from floor-to-ceiling windows. The rooms feature luxurious bathrooms with toiletries, hair dryers, iron and ironing board, wireless internet access, large screen TV, and telephones with voicemail.

Facility amenities: With an alluring blend of Victorian elegance and contemporary amenities, the Queen Anne Hotel is a delightful bed and breakfast boutique hotel in downtown San Francisco. Stunning Victorian architecture, authentic turn-of-the century details, and a charming ambience make this hotel a unique place to relax, meet friends, and celebrate special moments. Formal drapes and rich gold and burgundy wallpaper frame the Salon's floor-to-ceiling windows with views of the vibrant cityscape. After a day of exploring, guests meet in the lavish parlor with its baby grand piano for an afternoon tea and sherry service from 4 - 6pm.
Guests will appreciate the attentive staff and personalized services, including a 24-hour concierge and Front Desk service, unlimited in/out parking, same-day valet laundry/dry cleaning, and room service from local eateries. (Guests may also ask the concierge for directions to the two nearby "wash and fold" laundries which charge by the pound for their service.) Other amenities include a discounted outbound shuttle van service to SFO, free newspapers in the Lobby, Limo & Town Car arrangements, microwave in the lobby, nearby self-parking, a safe-deposit box at the Front Desk, wake-up calls, and a computer in the Lobby. The hotel is entirely NON-SMOKING.
WI-FI INTERNET ACCESS: The hotel provides guests with complimentary wireless internet access throughout the hotel.

Smoking policy: NoSmoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Note: Expect to walk up to 4 miles during the day. There will be several hills at the Presidio Park -- most of these will be forested trails, mostly going downhill. There are a couple of stairways as well. Ride on the Hyde Street cable car.

Breakfast: Continental breakfast at the hotel

Morning: FIELD TRIP AND LECTURE: Take public transportation to Pacific Heights for a guided walk through Billionaire's Row.

Continue walking to the Presidio, one of the oldest sections of San Francisco. For many years this wonderful urban park area was the center of military activity in the city.

Lunch: Picnic lunch at El Polin Spring

Afternoon: FIELD TRIP: After lunch, enjoy a presentation about current archeological efforts in the Presidio.

Afterwards walk with Don through the Marina District to Ghirardelli Square and Fisherman's Wharf. We'll be walking about 4 miles today.

Dinner: We'll have dinner together at Fisherman's Wharf at a family-owned restaurant a little off the tourist track where the locals eat. Afterwards, it's back to the hotel via the famous Hyde Street cable car.

Description: Experience the true character of San Francisco in a charming residential neighborhood, away from the bustling business district but still close to all the action. Nestled in the prestigious Pacific Heights neighborhood, with its distinctive Victorian architecture, Queen Anne Hotel is a landmark boutique hotel in the heart of San Francisco - one of the world's great cities known for its art, culture, museums and sightseeing. Walk to fabulous restaurants, live music venues, cinemas, the shops of Fillmore Street, and Japantown.
The hotel's convenient San Francisco location gives you easy access to the city's most enticing art performances in the world of Opera, Ballet and the Symphony as well as world class attractions, including Union Square, Fisherman's Wharf, Alcatraz Island, Ghirardelli Square, the Ferry Building and the North Beach district, all less than 2 miles away.

Room amenities: Each of the unique guest rooms is individually furnished with heirloom Victorian antiques and is flooded with light and air from floor-to-ceiling windows. The rooms feature luxurious bathrooms with toiletries, hair dryers, iron and ironing board, wireless internet access, large screen TV, and telephones with voicemail.

Facility amenities: With an alluring blend of Victorian elegance and contemporary amenities, the Queen Anne Hotel is a delightful bed and breakfast boutique hotel in downtown San Francisco. Stunning Victorian architecture, authentic turn-of-the century details, and a charming ambience make this hotel a unique place to relax, meet friends, and celebrate special moments. Formal drapes and rich gold and burgundy wallpaper frame the Salon's floor-to-ceiling windows with views of the vibrant cityscape. After a day of exploring, guests meet in the lavish parlor with its baby grand piano for an afternoon tea and sherry service from 4 - 6pm.
Guests will appreciate the attentive staff and personalized services, including a 24-hour concierge and Front Desk service, unlimited in/out parking, same-day valet laundry/dry cleaning, and room service from local eateries. (Guests may also ask the concierge for directions to the two nearby "wash and fold" laundries which charge by the pound for their service.) Other amenities include a discounted outbound shuttle van service to SFO, free newspapers in the Lobby, Limo & Town Car arrangements, microwave in the lobby, nearby self-parking, a safe-deposit box at the Front Desk, wake-up calls, and a computer in the Lobby. The hotel is entirely NON-SMOKING.
WI-FI INTERNET ACCESS: The hotel provides guests with complimentary wireless internet access throughout the hotel.

Smoking policy: NoSmoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Note: Expect to walk up to 5 miles during the day and several hundred feet change in elevation.

Breakfast: Continental breakfast at the hotel

Morning: FIELD TRIP: Take a walking tour of the Haight Ashbury neighborhood and get acquainted with the history of this colorful area. Explore streets, sidewalks, parks, and vistas that tell the story of a Victorian era resort site subsequently developed by comfortable merchants, whose gingerbread homes still grace its streets. If there's any area of San Francisco that evokes images of the long-gone '60s hippie culture, the Haight is it. Fragments of that flower-power, incense-burning, acid-dropping, tie-dye-wearing, peace-and-love-vibing era remain but, save for a few hippie relics, the Haight today is a whole new scene. Exclusive boutiques, high-end vintage-clothing shops, second-hand stores and hip restaurants have all settled in, making the Haight one of San Francisco's commercial centers.

Continue to Golden Gate Park. Larger than New York's Central Park, it once consisted of sand dunes, but is now covered with more than 75,000 trees and home to a small bison herd (in an enclosed field) since 1891. This ultimate haven away from urban chaos was deeded to the people in 1870 out of the prescient notion that San Franciscans would one day feel overcrowded.

LECTURE: As we stroll through the five acre Japanese Tea Garden, learn about the icons of the Garden and the family that lived there.

Lunch: Lunch at the California Academy of Sciences on your own

Afternoon: FIELD TRIP: After lunch, enjoy a self guided visit to the California Academy of Sciences - the only place on the planet with an aquarium, a planetarium, a natural history museum, and a 4-story rainforest all under one roof.

Free afternoon to spend at the CAS, visit the deYoung Museum, check out the Conservatory of Flowers or Arboretum nearby, or just return to the hotel early. In total, you could be walking 4-5 miles today, including several hundred feet of elevation gain.

Dinner: This evening provides you with the chance to have dinner on your own and enjoy more of the city's great dining options. In the area of Golden Gate Park, try one of the excellent restaurants in the Inner Sunset neighborhood -- Japanese/sushi, Cuban, Thai, Mexican, seafood, vegetarian, and even American!

Evening: Enjoy a free evening. Possible adventures might include the San Francisco Symphony, the Orpheum Theater, or Beach Blanket Babylon, the longest running musical revue in the U.S.

Important information about your itinerary: Please know that while we do everything we can to finalize all aspects of our programs well in advance, there are logistics that occasionally must be altered. Our website will reflect the most recent information, and we are committed to providing you with final program details no later than eight weeks prior to the start of programs outside the U.S. and three weeks prior to the start of programs within the U.S. If you ever have questions about your program, please don't hesitate to contact us and we will be happy to assist you.

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The latest in light, portable, easy-to-use QUIETVOX listening devices are available on Road Scholar programs.* Whether you are outdoors, in a crowd or in a museum environment where speaking loudly is discouraged, a listening device makes it feel like our experts are speaking clearly and directly to you. Hear for yourself on a Road Scholar adventure!

*Please note that due to the nature of some programs, the remote location or government regulations, listening devices may not be available. If you’d like to know for sure if your program will offer listening devices, just call and ask an Advisor!